Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Solvang, CA

Airbnb listings are allowed in Solvang, CA, but with restrictions. Vacation rentals (STRs) are restricted to the Village Mixed-Use (VMU) zone and a small set of specific Copenhagen Drive addresses; units in State Density Bonus projects are ineligible. The municipal code requires on-site parking per code, garbage removal, posted unit notice with local 24/7 contact, limits on overnight/daytime guests (two adults per bedroom plus two additional adults), advertising must include the city-issued vacation rental permit number, and special events are limited (three per year with prior approval). A permit is required before you can host. These rules apply to all short-term rental platforms (Airbnb, Vrbo, Booking.com, etc.) — not just Airbnb specifically. See the official source linked on this page for full requirements. Last verified 2026-05-14.

Vacation rentals (STRs) are restricted to the Village Mixed-Use (VMU) zone and a small set of specific Copenhagen Drive addresses; units in State Density Bonus projects are ineligible. The municipal code requires on-site parking per code, garbage removal, posted unit notice with local 24/7 contact, limits on overnight/daytime guests (two adults per bedroom plus two additional adults), advertising must include the city-issued vacation rental permit number, and special events are limited (three per year with prior approval).

Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Solvang. 1) Complete the Vacation Rental Certificate Request form (provided by the Planning Manager). 2) Submit required materials: owner/contact details including a 24/7 contact within 25 miles, scaled site and floor plans (bedrooms/parking), proposed in-unit notice, proof of Transient Occupancy Registration Certificate (TOT), written notification to all property owners within 100 feet, and proposed occupant limits. 3) Planning Manager issues certificate/permit; advertising must include the permit number.

1) Complete the Vacation Rental Certificate Request form (provided by the Planning Manager). 2) Submit required materials: owner/contact details including a 24/7 contact within 25 miles, scaled site and floor plans (bedrooms/parking), proposed in-unit notice, proof of Transient Occupancy Registration Certificate (TOT), written notification to all property owners within 100 feet, and proposed occupant limits. 3) Planning Manager issues certificate/permit; advertising must include the permit number.

Vrbo is permitted in Solvang, CA under the same restrictions that apply to Airbnb — local rules govern the rental itself, not the specific platform. You must hold a valid permit before hosting on Vrbo. Last verified 2026-05-14.

Short-term rental hosts in Solvang are typically responsible for lodging, occupancy, and applicable sales taxes — these usually apply even where hosting is allowed without a permit. Rates and remittance rules vary by jurisdiction (state, county, and city can each levy a share); confirm the current rates with the official source linked on this page. Platforms such as Airbnb and Vrbo collect some taxes automatically, but the host remains liable for any not collected on their behalf.

We are not currently tracking any recent short-term rental ordinance changes for Solvang. STR rules change frequently — verify the current requirements with the city or county before listing, using the official source linked on this page.